In a world where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur, Shannon Denise Evans‘ The Leveling emerges as a profound exploration of consciousness, trauma, and self-discovery. As the first installment in the Velvet Moon Chronicles, this psychological thriller transcends genre conventions, offering readers a layered narrative that invites introspection.
Evans, better known as The Storyweaver™, brings her multifaceted artistic expertise to this novel. A creator with experience spanning writing, composing, and playwriting, her work reflects a deep understanding of human expression. In The Leveling, she weaves these elements into a story that is as much about Zoë Hall’s journey as it is about universal truths.
The Leveling follows Zoë Hall, a 38-year-old Manhattan confidante whose carefully constructed life begins to unravel when her dreams become a battleground for forces she cannot comprehend. In Part 1 of the novel, readers are introduced to Zoë’s inner turmoil. Haunted by insomnia and vivid nightmares, she struggles to find solace. A recurring photo of her late mother evokes memories of childhood trauma, including an incident where a boy humiliated her over a birthmark. This reflection highlights Zoë’s resilience and transformation over time.
Despite support from Lula—her “mother-in-residence,” who provides comfort through tea and literature—Zoë’s nights remain restless. Her dreams take on an ominous tone as she finds herself in a dark forest, encountering a shadowy figure pulsating with malevolence. This entity attacks her in the dream, leaving her shaken and covered in unexplained blood upon waking. The chapter sets the stage for deeper explorations of trauma, memory, and the blurred lines between dreams and reality.
Evans’ approach to storytelling is deliberate and nuanced. Rather than relying on sensationalism or easy answers, she crafts an ambiguous narrative that challenges readers to question their perceptions of reality. Is Zoë’s journey a descent into supernatural realms or a metaphorical exploration of her psyche? Evans leaves this open-ended, encouraging readers to draw their own conclusions.
This ambiguity is emblematic of Evans’ broader body of work, which spans multiple mediums and consistently pushes boundaries. Her music project, SAVARRE™, similarly delves into themes of transformation and rebirth through sound. Across all her creative endeavors, Evans remains committed to authenticity and truth-seeking—qualities that elevate The Leveling.
The novel’s exploration of trauma is particularly poignant. Through Zoë’s struggles with grief over her mother’s death and unresolved childhood pain, Evans illustrates how our most challenging experiences can become sources of strength when processed through creativity. This theme resonates throughout The Leveling, making it not just a story but also a mirror for readers to examine their own hidden truths.
By blending elements of psychological thriller, surrealist fantasy, and literary fiction, Evans has crafted a work that defies categorization while remaining accessible. This versatility ensures that every reader can find something meaningful within The Leveling‘s pages.
As we await the next installment in the Velvet Moon Chronicles, it’s clear that Shannon Denise Evans is an artist whose work demands attention. Her upcoming non-fiction release, Wildcrafter: How To Dance With Your Wolves, set for release this year, Evans continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in literature and art.
For those willing to embark on this journey, The Leveling provides a safe harbor for truth-seekers and an invitation to explore uncharted territories within ourselves.
Experience it for yourself—order now: https://www.velvetmoonchronicles.com/purchase
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